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Saturday, August 31, 2013

About Winter in Full Bloom:Lily Winter's wings are folded so tightly around her daughter that when empty nest arrives, she feels she can no longer fly. But Lily's lonely, widowed life changes in a heartbeat when she goes to visit a woman who is almost a stranger to her---a woman who also happens to be her mother. During their fiery reunion, her mother reveals a dark family secret that she'd been hiding for decades---Lily has an identical twin sister who was put up for adoption when they were just babies.

Without looking back, Lily---with her fear of flying---boards a jumbo jet and embarks on a quest to find her sister which leads half way around the world to Melbourne, Australia. Befriended by imprudent Ausie, he might prove to be the key to finding her sister. But her journey becomes a circle that leads her back home to attempt a family reunion and to find the one dream she no longer imagined possible-the chance to fall in love again.

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She's been a Barnes & Noble "Author of the Month" for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.Connect with Anita at:www.anitahigman.com

Anita Higman's latest novel, Winter in Full Bloom, has just released.She's teamed up with her publisher, River North Fiction, for a fun giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party on August 29th.

One grand prize winner will receive:

A Kindle Fire HD

Winter in Full Bloom by Anita Higman

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 28th.Winner will be announced August 29th at the Winter in Full Bloom Author Chat Party on Facebook. During the party Anita will be hosting a book chat, talking about family, announcing the winner of the Kindle Fire, and giving away a ton of books, gift certificates, and more. Oh, and she'll also be giving party goers an exclusive look at her next book.So grab your copy of Winter in Full Bloom and join Anita on the evening of August 29th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)

DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN; RSVP TODAY. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 29th!

My Thoughts

Lily is overwhelmed with the many changes in her life. After having a confrontation with her estranged mother she decides to take an unexpected trip to Melbourne. She knew her relationship with her parents was not normal and that she needed to find that missing link. No sooner than she arrives in Australia she becomes depressed and not sure where to go or even what to do next. As she sits crying on a park bench a man shows concern for her well being. As their friendship grows throughout the day he offers to help her with her family mystery. She begins to wonder if he would play an important role in restoring her relationship with her family.

It was really hard to put this book down. The author created a tragic tale about Lily that appeared to be irreconcilable and writes of how God has a plan if only she has faith in Him. People were put in Lily's path to help fulfill His plan. I know people can't see God's plan when facing trials and tribulations but as time goes by he shows us his plan. The author put her heart and soul in this story.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Join Susan May Warren tonight (August 27th) at 8 EDT. Susan will be chatting with readers and answering your questions, plus she'll be giving away tons of books and prizes. You'll also receive the exclusive scoop on her next book!

Monday, August 26, 2013

About BookFor all who have suffered great loss of heart, home, health or family; true home and genuine lasting love can be found.

When a horrific battle rips through Gettysburg, the farm of Union widow Liberty Holloway is disfigured into a Confederate field hospital, bringing her face to face with unspeakable suffering-and a Confederate scout who awakens her long dormant heart.

But when the scout doesn't die she discovers he isn't who he claims to be.

While Liberty's future crumbles as her home is destroyed, the past comes rushing back to Bella, a former slave and Liberty's hired help, when she finds herself surrounded by Southern soldiers, one of whom knows the secret that would place Liberty in danger if revealed.

In the wake of shattered homes and bodies, Liberty and Bella struggle to pick up the pieces the battle has left behind. Will Liberty be defined by the tragedy in her life, or will she find a way to triumph over it?

Inspired by first-person accounts from women who lived in Gettysburg during the battle and its aftermath, Widow of Gettysburg is the Book 2 in theHeroines Behind the Lines series. These books do not need to be read in succession. For more information & resources about the Heroines Behind the Lines series, visit www.heroinesbehindthelines.com.

JOCELYN GREEN is an award-winning author, freelance writer and editor. A former military wife, she authored, along with contributing writers, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives (Moody 2008) and Faith Deployed . . . Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives (Moody 2011). Jocelyn is also co-author for Battlefields & times Blessings: Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan (AMG Publishers 2009), which won the Gold Medal from Military Writers Society of America in 2010. She maintains her own award-winning Web site for military wives at www.faithdeployed.com. She holds a B.A. in English from Taylor University, and is an active member of the Evangelical Press Association, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association and the Christian Authors Network. She and her husband have two children and reside in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

My Thoughts

Liberty Holloway is a young Union widow she was fortunate to inherit a farm in Gettysburg from her aunt. Liberty was raised by her aunt but was shown no love . She was a burden to her aunt, at least that is what her aunt told her so many times. Now Liberty is in charge of her own life and her own farm. Her husband was one of the first casualties of the war between the north and the south making her a widow at the age of seventeen.

The war is rumored to be making it closer and closer to Gettysburg. Surely they would not bring the battle so close to a town of women and children. People cried wolf so many times that when the battle arrived at their doorsteps they were not prepared.

The home Liberty hoped to turn into an Inn was now a makeshift hospital for wounded and dying rebel soldiers. Liberty was forced to help the doctors with the wounded. One rebel soldier that had stopped for food at the farm returns again after the rebel hospital took over the farm . Why was she so drawn to this man, as far as she knew he was the cause of her being a widow, when in truth all he wanted to do was protect her.

The author writes using facts and fiction to tell the story of the Widow of Gettysburg. She writes it in the minds eye of the widows. things they never thought they would see, wound soldiers, amputations and horrific unsanitary conditions. So much loss of life and limbs. Most of the people had faith in God and lived His Word to show love toward their enemy in such a devastating war. It is amazing that some even found love, romance and hope for the future.

Book two was not a disappointment and I look forward to the next book in this series.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers Newsroom for review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

About BookMiss Arabella Beckett, defender of the down-trodden women of America, is returning from her travels in support of the women's suffrage movement when she makes a simple offer of assistance to a young woman in need. But things go sadly awry, and both ladies soon find themselves in dire need of rescue. Arabella, always loath to admit she needs help, is particularly reluctant to receive assistance from the arrogant, narrow-minded knight in shining armor who shows up just in time.

Private investigator extraordinaire Mr. Theodore Wilder is on an assignment that began as a favor to his good friend Hamilton Beckett, but swiftly evolved into a merry chase across the country. He is already in a less than pleasant mood, and when Hamilton's sister turns out to have radical ideas and a fiercely independent streak, he's at his wit's end.

Much to their chagrin, Theodore and Arabella's paths continue to cross when they return home to New York, but the most unusual feelings beginning to grow between them certainly can't be anything serious. When the trouble Arabella accidentally stirred up in her travels follows her home and threatens her very life, the unlikely couple must face the possibility that they might have landed in the most peculiar circumstance of all: love.

Jen Turano, author of A Change of Fortune, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, and A Talent for Trouble, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in Clothing and Textiles. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado.

Arabella Beckett has acquired a reputation as an out spoken woman in support of the women's suffrage movement. Most men see her as a trouble maker because she finds herself in undesirable situation for the sake of the cause. Some incidents as wound her up in peril needing to be rescued from jail. This is when a private investigator, Theodore Wilder is sent to bail her and her accomplices out of the confines of jail. The problem with this is he is one such man that does not look kindly on her suffrage antics. He feels that she is not only putting herself in danger but also any tag-a-longs in her pursuit for women's rights.

Arabella and Theodore end up traveling a great distance without a proper chaperon which puts them in a most peculiar circumstance It does not matter that they have nothing in common and get on each others last nerve, they have broken proper etiquette by not having a chaperon. To make things even worse Arabella's mother is determined to play matchmaker for the couple. As if there were any love between the two or is there?

The author has taken a very important event in history, the women's suffrage movement and wrote a suspenseful romance with lots of humor. She definitely hit right on the horrendous injustice of women's rights and the need for education and proper training for women to acquire a decent job instead of being forced into prostitution in order to provide food and shelter for them and their families.

The author provides stimulating discussion questions in the back of the book which would especially be beneficial in a reading group. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and look forward to her next book.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House/Baker Publishing for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Rose Schrock is a Plain woman with a simple plan. Determined to find a way to support her family and pay off her late husband’s debts, she sets to work to convert the basement of her Amish farmhouse into an inn. While her family, especially her cranky mother-in-law, is unhappy with Rose’s big idea, her friend and neighbor, Galen King, supports the decision and he helps with the conversion. As Rose finalizes preparations for visitors, she prays. She asks God to bless each guest who stays at the Inn at Eagle Hill. As the first guest arrives and settles in, Rose is surprised to discover that her entire family is the one who receives the blessings, in the most unexpected ways. And she’s even more surprised when that guest decides to play matchmaker for Galen King.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Inn at Eagle Hill series, Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including "Amish Peace." She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is celebrating the release of the first book, The Letters, in her new series by giving away 2 iPads, 2 Kindle Fires and 2 Nook HDs! Wow!

Two grand prize winners will receive:

An iPad

The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Four second place winners will receive:

A Kindle Fire HD or a Nook HD - winner's choice!

The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 17th. All winners will be announced August 19th at Suzanne's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Suzanne's blog on the 19th to see if you won one of the great prizes! (Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

My ThoughtsRose Schrock carries the burdens left by her deceased husband. She willingly takes on the responsible of his parents farm which includes the care of his mother. Her mother-in-law had a stroke leaving her weak in body and mind. Rose also her hands full with her four children especially the two youngest boys. She feels it to be her responsibility to support the family and right the wrongs of her husband. In order to accomplish this she has decided to turn the farm into a Bed and Breakfast. Surprisingly her neighbor, Galen King sees it to be a good idea and helps her to prepare the farm for her guest.Her Bed and Breakfast becomes the means of not only financial needs but far more. God had a plan for Rose Schrock and her family. Rose put her faith in God to pull them through the trials and tribulations that came her way. This story kept me thinking about Job and how he always stayed faithful to God through his trials and tribulations. The author writes a story that will tug at your heart. She wrote of how events can cause stress on so many people. It's like being in the path of a tornado. Many can find blessings in time such as these just as Rose Schrock found laughter with her children, tenderness and patience for her mother-in-law. She even dared to hope for love with Galen King, her neighbor. I highly recommend this book.I rated this book a 5 out 5.Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Revell Publishing and Litfuse Publicity Group . I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.

Monday, August 12, 2013

About Rosemary Cottage:Amy came to Rosemary Cottage to grieve, to heal, maybe even find love. But there's a deadly undertow of secrets around Hope Island . . .

The charming Rosemary Cottage on the beach offers Amy Lange respite she needs to mourn her brother, Ben. She's even thinking of moving her midwife practice to the Outer Banks community. It's always been a refuge for her and her family. She also wants to investigate Ben's disappearance at sea. Everyone blames a surfing accident, but Amy has reason to wonder.

Coast Guard officer Curtis Ireland has lost a sibling too. His sister, Gina, was run down by a boat, leaving him to raise her infant daughter. If anyone knew who little Raine's father was, Curtis could lose his beloved niece. Yet he can't help being drawn to Hope Beach's new midwife, Amy. He even agrees to help her investigate what happened to both Ben and Gina.

Can two grieving people with secrets find healing on beautiful Hope Island? Or will their quest for truth set them at odds with each other . . . and with those who will go to any length to keep hidden things hidden?

Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA's RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.

My Thoughts

Amy Lange has so many wonderful memories of her and her brother, Ben at Rosemary Cottage and their long hours playing on the beach. But this year Ben isn't with her at Rosemary Cottage but his memory is here. Ben lost his life in a surfing accident. Amy was looking for closure in her brother's death. She may even move her midwife practice to Hope Island. Amy can't help but wonder if his death was really caused by an accident.Curtis Ireland has also lost a sibling, his sister, Gina was was killed in a boating accident. She left something very valuable to Curtis's care, Raine, Gina's daughter. Curtis will do anything to protect his niece from intruders. That is until he meets Amy Lange and then his world is turned upside down. But is that a good thing or a bad thing?This is a nail biting, chills running up your spine, suspenseful story. Your brain will be working overtime to find the secrets that will solve THE mystery. Aside from all the suspense is an on and off romance between Amy and Ben, with littIe Raine in the middle. I get really into the books I'm reading and forget sometimes that the characters can't hear me giving them some well needed advice. This author never seems to let me down when I read one of her books and I have read several of them. All winners, in my opinion.

I highly recommend not only this book but this series and especially this author.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson/Litfuse Publicity Group for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.

Friday, August 9, 2013

Book Three in the Adventures of Lily Lapp series. Co-written with Mary Kinsinger.

Lily Lapp's family has settled into their new home in Pennsylvania, but life still holds big changes and big steps for Lily. Good changes, like once again living close to her beloved cousin and best friend, Hannah. Bad changes, like a mean girl who plays tricks on her. And no change at all where Lily would most want one--Aaron Yoder sits near her in school and relentlessly teases her. Surprises are in store for Lily as she learns, with Mama and Papa's help, to manage the ups and downs of growing up Amish.

The third of four charming novels that chronicle the gentle way of the Amish through the eyes of a young girl, A Big Year for Lily gives children ages 8-12 a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Amish---and lots of fun and laughter along the way. It combines Mary Ann Kinsinger's real-life stories of growing up Amish and the bestselling writing of Amish fiction and nonfiction author Suzanne Woods Fisher. With charming line drawings in each book, this series captures the hearts of readers young and old.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Lancaster County Secrets series and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. For more information, please visit suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher. Get Amish proverbs delivered right to your iPhone or iPad! Download the Free App! http://bit.ly/134r55G

Lily is approaching 10 yrs old, which is an important time for a young girl in the Amish community. She still likes to play with dolls with her friends, but one girl in particular seems to rub her the wrong way. No matter what Lily does this girl claims do it better if she can't she says it isn't lady like and should not be done. Dolls is one of the things this young girl thinks they are too old to play anymore. This girl and a particular boy at school are always causing trouble for someone especially for Lily.

Do you have anyone like this in your life? Someone that can ruin your whole day no matter how hard you try to avoid them.

I really enjoy reading this series, each book brings to light the normal everyday antics of Lily, like how she interacts with family and friends. Sometimes she does not always use good judgement. One of her bad traits is, "What my parents don't know won't hurt a thing." Wrong!

I am sure children will learn many good lessons from the mistakes the children in this book create. There are a lot of good things that come from the children actions too!

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Group/Revell for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.

Melvin Hitchcock of the Hitching Post Mail Order Bride Catalog isn't dishonest---not exactly. If he tweaks his clients' applications a bit, it's because he's looking out for their best interests.

This charming bouquet of novellas introduces four Hitching Post prospects in the year 1870, each one eager for second chances . . . and hungry for happiness. Year in, year out, they'll learn that love often comes in unexpected packages.

And Then Came Spring by Margaret Brownley

Mary-Jo has been unlucky all her life. But who would guess she'd travel halfway across the country to meet her match . . . only to find him dead!

An Ever-After Summer by Debra Clopton

Ellie had no idea she's not what Matthew ordered. And what's wrong with being a "Bible thumper" anyway? She's determined to show him she's tougher than she looks---and just the girl he needs.

Autumn's Angel by Robin Lee Hatcher

Luvena would be perfect for Clay if she didn't come with kids. But kids are a deal breaker, especially in a rough-and-trouble mining town. The trouble is, there's no money to send them back. . .

Winter Wedding Bells by Mary Connealy

David's convinced he's not long for the world. He needs someone to mother his boys when he's gone---nothing more. Can plucky Irish Megan convince him to work at living instead of dying?

Debra Clopton is an award winning author of sweet, heartfelt, western romance that face life with a smile. With over 2 million books in print, Debra has her first book coming as a movie starring LeAnn Rimes. @debraclopton

My Thoughts
Four award winning authors, four books in one about four mail order brides. Now this makes for an interesting read. The man that operates the mail order bride catalogue appointed himself not just as a go between but as a matchmaker of his own making, editing letters without the senders consent. Some of the women have traveled a long distance to meet their intended only to find there was a lack of communication between the two. How could so many important details be missing? It was very apparent they all had been deceived. Most of the women had no money to return to their previous life or other circumstances which prevented them from returning.

Each story is unique in it's own special way. My heart ached for each family. The couples had faith in God that they were together for a purpose. Many of their personal problems gave them strength to carry on with the arrangement in hope for a better future, even though some were a little more skeptical than others.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity/Thomas Nelson for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.

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